FUNDED PROGRAMS AWARDED 97/98

Project Title: The Marriage of Chemistry, Technology, and English
Project Director: Dr. Phronsene Chimiklis
Organization: Victor Valley College
Phone: (760)245-4271,ext.2357

The Chemistry Department at Victor Valley College will enter a consortium with Hesperia High School and the Inland Empire Writing Project with the primary goal of producing computer-aided instructional material that uses conceptual chemistry curriculum to teach students critical thinking skills while mastering the subject material.

Students who have taken introductory algebra generally have few problems manipulating mathematical equations and producing quantitative answers. But, as an initial science course, critical thinking skills necessary for in-depth conceptual learning are most often minimally present especially for those students with limited English course work.

By writing this curriculum on a continuum form basic to advanced levels for the different concepts, students will move at their personal pace to meet their individual needs. We seek to improve retention by 20% and raise the class grade average by 10%. It should also reduce the fiscal impact of students retaking the course and provide better articulation to more advanced course work. Finally, we believe that improving students' scientific competencies, they will be more ready for entry level employment.

This project has the short-range goal of helping students master chemistry and the long-range goal of developing skills to master future scientific/technology studies. In keeping with our understanding that students will ultimately seek employment, a final goal is to provide a level of knowledge which can be applied in the job market.